The Overman team of the U.S.A. formed after Bannerman (the leader) and Scalphunter captured the native American superhuman Thunderbird. The Guardians of Democracy took part in several military actions, including the last Indian war - the 1887 Messiah War, against the Sioux in South Dakota and the war against Spain over Cuba in 1898. Their members were :
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Very strong, tough and impressive, at least partially resistant to every form of attack, and capable of generating chemical-based explosions at his hands. Born in 1832 to parents who were farmers, he served in a cavalry regiment during the US civil war, and gained a number of decorations for valour. After the civil war he moved West and became a plains man/cowboy. He gained his powers in late 1881 during an Indian attack led by Thunderbird in which Thunderbird was captured. When the US government formed the Guardians of Democracy he was appointed leader of the team. Although a great believer in democracy he was also very bigoted, being a convinced believer in the superiority of the white race.
A friend of Bannerman (they were cowboys together); very fast and quite strong (about maximum for a normal human) with enhanced senses and claws; capable of tracking by scent; also able to run very fast and leap great distances; born in 1862. Very bigoted against Indians - family members killed by them when a child. Somewhat inhuman appearance - claws, fangs, pointed ears, generally feral looks. Like Bannerman he gained his powers during an Indian attack led by Thunderbird in late 1881 in which Thunderbird was captured. Unfortunately he became more animalistic and less in control as time went by.until finally degenerated into an almost total animal by 1893. He was confined for the safety of himself and others, but managed to escape and ran off into the wilds, where it is imagined he lived until his death; he was never heard from again.
The daughter of immigrant plains settlers, born in 1856. Fast with human maximum strength; very clever and observant; air powers (flight, air blasts, capable of picking things up with powerful winds). The wife of a farmer, when her powers developed her husband insisted that she volunteer for government service - he could handle the farm etc. without her. She did so and was gladly accepted and trained. Is somewhat reluctant to fight, but will fight fiercely if necessary, especially if motivated/angry. Always does her best to be equal to the men on the team, although this sometimes causes friction. Generally cheerful, kindly and uncynical. Quite attractive
A middle-class rural youth, the cousin of a sheriff, born in 1864. Several mental powers (ego attack, mental illusions, mind link, but NOT telepathy). Son of a pioneering settler in the West. Father very religious, which rubbed of on him, as did loyalty to the USA and a belief in democracy. When his powers developed he was urged to join the Guardians by his father, and volunteered, gaining rapid acceptance. Very loyal to the USA and the Guardians and follows orders well. His fairly extreme religious beliefs sometimes irritate the other members (especially Tornado regarding his attitude to women). Quite innocent and naive about city life. Very rigid in his behaviour; teetotal.
Short with curly blonde hair.
A middle-class city man from a long line of seafarers. Joined the crew of a cargo ship as a trainee officer in 1884. He discovered his powers when he was swept overboard in a storm and saved himself using his abilities. When the ship returned to the USA he reported what had happened to the authorities and was recruited into the Guardians of Democracy. Although he disliked leaving the sea he saw the necessity of doing so, and fits in well with the rest of the Guardians. He follows orders without question and will offer suggestions etc. as well as being very well disciplined and cool under stress. Loyal to the USA and a firm believer in freedom and democracy (he is somewhat idealistic).
Tall and slender with dark brown hair and a neatly-trimmed beard. His powers involve the creation and manipulation of force fields with which he can protect himself, create force walls at range, hit people (although this is not very effective at long range) and also create 'wings' of force which he can use to glide. His eyesight is also incredibly acute.
Recruited in Chicago in 1893, where she had been engaged in a vendetta against a group of criminals responsible for the deaths of her family after they refused to pay protection money. Despite her killing several of these criminals, the Guardians had no real problems about recruiting her. Her powers consist of very enhanced senses and self-healing abilities, plus the ability to change herself into the form of any woman. Her fingernails are incredibly sharp and dangerous, and she is capable of draining the strength and vitality of a target into herself. She is also very fast and near the upper limit of human strength (although she doesn't look it). She also has incredible skills of acting, persuasion and seduction.